Geometry matching for imaging medical apparatus

Abstract

Anatomical matching of images acquired by different imaging modalities plays an important role in diagnostic medical imaging. In common medical practice such matching takes place after the acquisition of the data sets containing the information to be matched and while utilizing standard post-processing algorithms. The invention provides a method for the acquisition of anatomically matched images while using the information concerning the position and orientation of the first imaging modality relative to the object. Upon selection of a relevant image from the primary data set acquired by means of the first imaging modality, the co-ordinates which unambiguously define the position of the first imaging apparatus relative to this image are defined. These co-ordinates are made available to the second imaging modality which is adjusted in conformity therewith. The image acquired by the second imaging modality will thus be anatomatically matched with the primary image.

1. A method of generating anatomically matching images from data acquired by at least two interconnected imaging medical apparatus, the method comprising:
 acquiring a data set comprising a first image using a first apparatus; 
 selecting a plane within the first image from the data set; 
 assigning first co-ordinates to the plane relative to the first image, said first coordinates available by the second apparatus; 
 adjusting image data acquired by the second apparatus in conformity with the first co-ordinates, said adjusting further comprising performing a co-ordinate transformation from the first apparatus to the second apparatus; and 
 forming a second image based on said adjustment. 
 
     
     
       2. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first co-ordinates are provided by a computer included in the system. 
     
     
       3. The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein for each of the at least two interconnected imaging medical apparatus, a reference co-ordinate system is stored as a table within the computer. 
     
     
       4. The method as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein a second reference co-ordinate system is derived based on a first reference co-ordinate system by the computer. 
     
     
       5. The method as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein a second reference co-ordinate system is calculated from a first reference co-ordinate system by the computer. 
     
     
       6. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a data set containing the first image is stored in the computer after acquisition by the first imaging medical apparatus. 
     
     
       7. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first co-ordinates are provided by a cable which directly interconnects each of the at least two imaging medical apparatus. 
     
     
       8. A system for automatically matching medical images generated for different medical imaging apparatus, comprising:
 a first imaging medical apparatus for the acquisition of a first image; 
 a second imaging medical apparatus for the acquisition of a second image that anatomically corresponds to the first image; 
 means for assigning first co-ordinates relative to the first imaging medical apparatus to a plane defined within the first image, which coordinates are accessible by the second apparatus; 
 wherein the second imaging medical apparatus is provided with adjusting means for adjusting a second image reconstructed in conformity with the first co-ordinates such that the second image includes a representation of the plane by a co-ordinate transformation from the first apparatus to the second apparatus. 
 
     
     
       9. The system as claimed in  claim 8 , further comprising a computer arranged to provide the first co-ordinates available to the second imaging medical apparatus. 
     
     
       10. The system as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the computer is provided with a table, and wherein a reference co-ordinate system is stored for each of the at least two interconnected imaging medical apparatus. 
     
     
       11. The system as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the first imaging medical apparatus is an MRI apparatus, and the second imaging medical apparatus is an X-ray apparatus, said apparatus being interconnected by means of a data transmission cable.